Leadercast 2016 came up again at our Centennial team lunch the other day. Leadercast made a profound impression on each of us–the day sticks with you long after it is over. We each took a turn sharing our most memorable quote. We’d like to share them with you too–along with snippets from the thought-provoking conversations that ensued.

Leadercast broadcast live from Atlanta, GA

Lessons from Leadercast

(& applying them to you)

“We value integrity. We follow clarity. Clarity is magnetic.” –Andy StanleyThis quote was a big “ah-ha” for our team. Seriously? Isn’t honesty most important? Yes, but…People want to follow a leader whose plan is easy to understand. Ask yourself: Do I do what I say and say what I mean? Am I clear in communicating my vision? Am I clear when sharing my expectations? Do I take the time to really think about how, when, and why I communicate?

“Follow the ‘Hotshot’ rule: If a hotshot took over my job today, what is one thing they would look at and say in unacceptable and in need of change? Then ask yourself why don’t you change it.” –Kat Cole
When was the last time you reviewed your job description? Do you set goals for yourself within your role? Do you hold yourself accountable to those benchmarks? Are you honest with yourself in reviewing your performance? What holds you back in making change? Challenge yourselfto look at your role from an outsider’s perspective

“The most powerful thing a leader can do is show what is possible.”–Bill McDermott
We have revisited this quote over and over. It came up again when Muhammad Ali passed away. He famously said “…impossible is merely an opinion…” Question: Do you dare to dream? If not, why not? If you do, do you follow through?

“Leadership is your willingness to help someone else for their benefit.”–Nick Saban
Words of wisdom from the great collegiate football coach. This earned a collective nod of agreement from the entire Centennial team. Write that one down and tuck it in your wallet.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to help, to appreciate, to serve, and to thank others.” –Nick Saban
Another great one from Saban. This is a tenant of employee engagement. When was the last time you said thanks?

“Admire and praise people to get the best out of them.”–Steve Wozniak
Two great leaders had the same thought (see Saban, above.) So did we.

“People who expect things to go exactly right are often disappointed. You need to know there will be obstacles.” –James Brown
The importance of resilience cannot be overstated. And, generally, it’s not the obstacle that gets in the way. It’s the way the obstacle is approached.

“As leaders, 90% of your behavior should be predictable. Ten percent of the time throw curve balls.” –Roark Denver
“Curve balls” keep leaders and those they lead on their toes. In addition to throwing curve balls, leaders need to be ready to take a few, too. Know that the unexpected will happen (see James Brown, above.)

“Never make a decision based on fear.” –Roark Denver
Decisions + Fear = Regret. In contrast, make decisions thoughtfully and from a base of knowledge and experience. Tying it back to James Brown’s insight (above) expect the unexpected and be resilient. Don’t let fear get the best of you.

Mark May 5, 2017 for Leadercast 2017, “Powered by Purpose.” Plan on investing in your leadership by attending!

For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to attend Leadercast NKY. The simulcast is hosted live in Atlanta, GA and was broadcast at 800+ host sites in over 35 countries around the world. Over 100,000 leaders gathered in May of 2015 globally to listen and share thoughts around bold leadership and bravery #TheBraveOnes.

Each speaker shed light on the topic of leading with bravery and below are thoughts and quotes I found most inspirational and convicting throughout the day.

When someone in the organization or family presents an idea, bold leaders respond with WOW and don’t let the idea die by asking ‘how will we afford this?’ or ‘how is this possible?’ How is a bad habit; we should be responding with WOW instead!

“Fear and bravery are dependent on each other. You can’t have brave moments without fear.” – CMDR Rorke Denver

Simon Sinek Challenges the Traditional Definition of Leadership

Simon Sinek challenged the traditional definition of leadership and he encouraged us to think of that definition in an entirely different way at Leadercast 2014. We, along with the many who attended this leadership conference, hope to make a difference in our community, our workplace, our homes and in every place we lead, by becoming a leader worth following. If you were there, go back and read your notes and put in to practice some of what we were taught. If you were not there, read this blog and attend with us this next year.

Traditional words that describe a leader:

Words that describe today’s leader:

Here are some great quotes that stood out from his talk:

“Leader’s set the tone for the organization.”

“Leaders have control over the environment in the organization – people react to their environment either positively or negatively.”

It’s hard to say goodbye. Period. It’s not easy to let go of something in which you are emotionally bound.

Take these Asics for example. They got me through my first half-marathon. They were with me every Sunday for those long runs – just me, my shoes, and the pavement in the early morning fog. Hours upon hours and miles upon miles, we pushed through the summer heat in preparation for our fall race. When we crossed the finish line together, we shared a moment of accomplishment and gratitude.

That was in 2011, but yet I still hang on to them. Even take them out for a run on occasion. I know I shouldn’t. There’s no tread left. I could easily get injured running in them. They can’t support my body anymore and have far surpassed the 300-400 mile lifespan they were engineered to sustain.

But I still can’t bring myself to throw them away – to bring a necessary ending to our relationship.

The tomorrow that you desire and envision may never come to pass if you do not end some things you are doing today.

Dr. Cloud equated the process of bringing about “necessary endings” to that of pruning a shrub. It’s the best buds that need the resources of the vine. These resources will be scarce if they are being spent on sick or plateaued branches.

Now think about this from an organizational leadership perspective. Are you properly resourcing that which brings the most life to your company? Have you had the courage to prune products, strategies, processes, and even people to ensure optimal health and vitality – or do you have some clipping to do?

Just like my running shoes are no longer doing me any good and are actually now posing a threat, there may be aspects of your business that are doing the same, but you are too emotionally connected to let go.

Maybe it’s a product line that was the brain child of yours and your original business partner. It was once relevant to your market, but you know deep down that it’s not anymore. Clip.

Or maybe it’s that bright new star you handpicked and mentored. She is making the big deals but is not emulating the behaviors and values of the organization. The coaching isn’t working. She is damaging the team’s culture and levels of engagement. Clip.

It could be a vendor relationship you’ve had for years. You’ve always done business with them. You’ve shared many holes on the golf course and have even vacationed with each other’s families. However, your business needs have changed. They are unable to meet them. Clip.

It’s not easy to bring about these necessary endings, especially when it involves people. We get attached. But as a leader, you owe it to your entire team to facilitate the best long-term growth and health of the organization. No one said that being a leader would be easy.

Dr. Henry Cloud suggests a process to pruning. Give some thought to the following three questions:

What is good but not great?

The true life of a company sometimes rests within only about 20% of its activities. It could all very well be profitable, but not great – not the best. Clip the good so that you can better resource the great.

What is dead and taking up space?

This is a bit easier to identify. You will often know right off the top of your head what these activities or resources are but are just avoiding the inevitable. Stop ignoring it and take action.

What is sick and won’t get well?

Someone’s or something’s season may be up. What may have once been your most flourishing asset is now a recurring expense. No matter how many more resources you pour into it, its growth is permanently stunted.

So pull out the sheers and start clipping…and watch your business thrive.